Coffee County Marriage License Records

Marriage licenses in Coffee County can be filed at two locations. The county has dual seats: Elba and Enterprise. Both handle marriage license recording. About 53,000 people live in this southeastern Alabama county. Important: Coffee County operates on a 4-day work week. The offices are closed on Fridays.

Coffee County Probate Court Offices

Coffee County has two courthouses. Elba serves the western part of the county. Enterprise serves the eastern part. Both locations handle marriage licenses. Pick the one closer to you.

Both offices operate Monday through Thursday. They are closed on Fridays. This 4-day week is important. Do not plan a Friday visit. Hours are 7:00 AM to 5:30 PM on open days.

Note: Both locations offer the same services. The fee is the same at either office.

Coffee County Marriage License Fees

The recording fee in Coffee County is $93. This is above the state average. The fee is the same at both the Elba and Enterprise offices. You pay when you file.

The fee covers recording, state filing, and one certified copy. The base court fee is $10. The state adds $60 for the Domestic Violence Trust Fund. Additional local fees bring the total to $93.

Payment methods include cash and checks. Ask about credit and debit cards when you arrive. For mail requests, send a check or money order to Coffee County Probate Court.

Extra certified copies cost about $5 each. Get several when you file. They are useful for name changes and legal matters.

How to File in Coffee County

Filing a marriage license in Coffee County follows standard Alabama rules. You can file at either courthouse. Just avoid Fridays.

First, get the form. Download it from dph1.adph.state.al.us/marriage. The form must be typed. Both parties fill out their sections. Print after completing.

To file in Coffee County, bring these items:

• Completed marriage license form (typed)
• Valid photo ID for both parties
• Notarized signatures from both parties
• $93 recording fee
• Social Security numbers

Both people sign in front of an Alabama notary. The notary stamps and signs. Complete this before visiting either courthouse.

Bring everything to the Probate Court. The clerk reviews your form. If complete, they file it right away. You get a certified copy. The process takes about 15 to 20 minutes.

File within 30 days of the last signature. Your marriage is valid from that date.

Coffee County's Two Seats

Coffee County has two county seats. This is unusual. Most Alabama counties have one. Elba and Enterprise both serve as official seats. Both have full courthouse facilities.

Why two seats? History explains it. Enterprise grew rapidly after the county was formed. Residents there wanted a closer courthouse. Rather than move the seat, the county created a second one. This system continues today.

For marriage licenses, this is convenient. You have two options. Pick based on your location:

• Live west of the county? Use Elba.
• Live east of the county? Use Enterprise.
• Either works legally, regardless of your address.

Enterprise is larger than Elba. It has about 28,000 residents. Elba has about 3,600. But both courthouse locations offer the same services. The fee is the same. The process is the same. Just pick the more convenient one.

Coffee County 4-Day Work Week

Coffee County operates on a 4-day work week. The Probate Court is open Monday through Thursday. It is closed on Fridays. This is a firm schedule.

The extended daily hours compensate for the day off. The offices open at 7:00 AM. They close at 5:30 PM. That is longer than most county offices. You have more time each open day.

Planning tips for Coffee County:

• Do not visit on Friday (closed)
• Monday through Thursday: 7:00 AM to 5:30 PM
• Arrive before 5:00 PM to allow processing
• Early morning visits work well

If Friday is your only option, you need another plan. Remember, you can file in any Alabama county. Dale County and Houston County are nearby. Check their hours before driving.

Can You Search Coffee County Records Online?

Coffee County has limited online access for marriage records. Direct contact with the Probate Court is usually needed for specific searches.

Call the Elba office at (334) 897-2211 or Enterprise at (334) 347-2668. Staff can look up names and dates. They can tell you if a record exists. For certified copies, you may need to visit or mail a request.

The state also keeps records. Alabama Center for Health Statistics has marriage records from 1936 forward. Order through VitalChek at vitalchek.com. The fee is $15 for search and first copy.

For genealogy, try FamilySearch.org. They have digitized Alabama marriage records. Access is free with an account.

Marriage License Laws in Alabama

Alabama changed its marriage laws in 2019. Marriage licenses are gone. The state uses licenses now. No ceremony is required. No officiant is needed.

Alabama Code Section 30-1-9.1 set up the new system. Your marriage is valid when both sign and the form is recorded. File within 30 days.

Under Section 30-1-4, you must be 16 or older. Ages 16-17 need parental consent per Section 30-1-5.

Marriage records are public under Section 22-9A-21. Anyone can request copies.

After divorce, wait 60 days to remarry. Coffee County follows this rule.

Search Coffee County Records

Use our search tool to find marriage records and other public records in Coffee County, Alabama.

Cities in Coffee County

Coffee County has several towns. Enterprise is the largest. Elba is the other county seat. New Brockton and Kinston are smaller communities. All residents can file at either courthouse location.

Enterprise has about 28,000 residents. It is home to a Boll Weevil Monument. Elba has about 3,600 residents. No city in Coffee County has a population over 50,000. For marriage services, use either the Elba or Enterprise courthouse.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Coffee County. You can file in any Alabama county. If the Friday closure is a problem, consider a nearby county.